China will launch INTELSAT APR-3/Sinosat-1B satellite into its geostationary orbit in the spring next year, as today's China Daily reports.

According to a launch service contract signed by China Great Wall Industry Corporation and ASTRIUM Thursday morning, the satellite will be put into space by a Long-March 3B rocket from Xichang Satellite Launch Center in Southwest China's Sichuan Province.

This is the first time in more than four years INTELSAT selects to use the Long-March launch vehicle. Over the past 10 years, China airspace industry accomplished 23 consecutive successful launches.

These achievements have impressed the international satellite circles and won their trust in Chinese rocket carriers, including INTELSAT.

Earlier in 1996, the maiden flight of Long March 3B rocket carrier failed to put the INTELSAT 708 satellite into orbit.

INTELSAT, to be manufactured by ASTRIUM, is a geostationary satellite. It will cover China, Russia and Mideast, and provide broadcast and TV transmission, communications
and Internet services.